MXPA00002949A - Aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a canister-holding portion and a chamber housing. The canister-holding portion has a receptacle for receipt of a pMDI canister containing a medication and a propellant to provide the aerosol medication delivery system. The canister-holding portion has a discharge orifice communicating with the receptacle to direct an aerosol into an interior of the chamber housing at an input end thereof. The chamber housing also has an output end from which medication can be withdrawn by inhalation by a patient. According to one aspect, the aerosol delivery system includes a containment baffle located at the output end of the chamber housing to partially block the output. According to another aspect, the canister-holding portion and the chamber housing are coupled together by a mechanism that provides for the canister-holding portion to be retracted into the chamber housing for storage. The coupling mechanism also allows the canister-holding portion to be extracted from its storage position in the chamber housing and pivoted into position for use when dispensing medication. In another aspect, an aerosol medication apparatus includes a chamber housing with an input end to receive the discharge of a medication from a pMDI canister and an output end including a containment baffle that partially blocks the output end. The pMDI canister may be received in an elastomeric backpiece that is adapted to accommodate various sizes of actuator boot mouthpieces.

Description

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING MEDICINES IN AEROSOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus and system for delivering portable aerosolized medicaments for administering a desired aspirated dose of a medicament in the form of an aerosol to the lungs of a patient by oral inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of systems for delivering aerosolized medicaments for administering aerosolized drugs to the lungs of a patient by inhalation is well known in the art. Systems for delivering conventional aerosol medications include pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI). Conventional pMDIs typically have two components: a can component in which the medicament particles are stored under pressure in the form of a suspension or solution and a receptacle component used to hold and actuate the can. The can component typically includes a valve outlet from which the contents of the can can be discharged. The aerosol medicament is dispensed from the pMDI by applying a force on the can component to push it towards the receptacle component whereby the valve outlet is opened and the medicament particles are transported from the outlet with valve through the receptacle component and discharged from the outlet of the receptacle component. After being discharged from the can, the medicament particles are "atomized" into an aerosol. It is intended that the patient coordinate the discharge of the aerosol medication with his (or her) inhalation so that the medication particles are introduced into the patient's respiratory flow and transported to the lungs. Typically pMDIs have used propellants such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), to pressurize the contents of the can and to propel the medicament particles out of the outlet of the receptacle component. Although conventional pMDIs have been widely used to provide many patients with the benefits of aerosolized drugs, conventional pMDIs have certain limitations. For example, one goal of aerosol therapy has been to optimize the mass percentage of the aspirable dose of an aerosolized drug in order to optimize deposition in the lungs of a patient to achieve a complete therapeutic effect with the least amount possible side effects. Conventional pMDIs may not always be able to meet this objective.

A limitation associated with conventional pMDIs refers to the rate of discharge of the aerosol particles. The drug particles are stored under considerable pressure in the pMDI can and as a consequence, their velocity can be high after being discharged. Among other things, the effect of high speed contributes to a significant number of aerosolized medication particles colliding and depositing in the oropharynx in the patient's upper airway instead of continuing its route through the upper airway and towards the lungs. Such shock and deposition could result in a significant portion of the drug dose being absorbed or ingested systemically. As documented in the literature, [J. L. Rau, "Respiratory Care Pharmacology", 4a. ed. (1994, Mosby) on pages 256-261; K. Ibbertson K., "Oral and Inhaled Corticosteroids Reduce Bone Formation as Shown by Plasma Osteocalcin Levéis", Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med 151: 333-336], the absorption or systemic ingestion of aerosolized medications can cause adverse side effects to a patient, particularly when the aerosolized medication is a corticosteroid. Some of the adverse side effects include pharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness and adrenal suppression. The high velocity of aerosolized drug particles can also accentuate the difficulty of a significant number of patients, particularly the very young and those of legal age, to coordinate the activation of the pMDI with the inhalation of the generated aerosol medication particles. Failure to coordinate actuation and inhalation maneuvers and failure to inhale slowly have been documented in the literature [S.P. Newman, "Aerosol Deposition Considerations in Inhalation Therapy" Chest / 88/2 / August, 1985 / Supplement as contributing factors to a significant reduction in the number of aerosolized drug particles inspired and deposited in a patient's lungs. Shock and deposition of the aerosolized drug particles in the oropharynx and upper airway of a patient could also contribute to an unpleasant taste in the mouth of a patient, particularly with certain formulations in solution or suspension of medicaments such as flunisolide. In addition to the high velocity of the particles, a significant number of non-aspirable drug particles could be produced after being discharged as a result of the suspension or solution formulation of the medicament as well as the atomization process. As mentioned above, conventional pMDIs have used CFCs to propel the medicament out of the output of the CFC actuator. In view of the environmental concerns with the pMDIs there has been a growing interest in using non-CFC propellants, such as hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA).

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide the supply of aspirable drug particles from pMDI cans with a device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. It is another objective to provide a device that reduces the need for a patient to coordinate the activation of a pMDI can with inhalation. It is also another objective to provide a device that reduces the supply of non-aspirable drug particles from a pMDI can to a patient. It is even another objective to provide a device that reduces the shock of drug particles in the oropharynx and upper areas of a patient. It is still another object of the invention to provide a device for delivering aerosolized medicine from a can of pMDI using an HFA propellant instead of a CFC propellant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, as well as other objects, the present invention provides an improved apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication. The apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicine includes a portion that holds the can and a housing for the camera. The portion holding the can has a receptacle for receiving the can from a pMDI containing a medicament and a propellant. The portion holding the can has a discharge orifice communicating with the receptacle to direct an aerosol into the chamber housing at an inlet end thereof. The housing of the chamber also has an exit end from which a patient can withdraw the medicament by inhalation. The portion holding the can and the chamber housing are coupled together by a mechanism that allows the portion holding the can to be retracted into the housing of the storage chamber. The coupling mechanism also allows the portion holding the can to be removed from its storage position in the chamber housing and pivoted in the position for use when medicament is dispensed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the system for delivering aerosol includes a containment baffle located at the housing exit end of the chamber to partially block the outlet end. According to another aspect, the portion holding the can and the chamber housing are coupled together by a mechanism that allows the portion holding the can to be retracted into the chamber housing for storage. The coupler mechanism also allows the portion holding the can to be removed from its storage position towards the chamber housing and pivoted in that position to be used when medication is dispensed.

In another aspect, an apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication includes a chamber housing with an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end receives the discharge of a medicament from a pMDI can and the outlet end includes a containment deflector that partially blocks the outlet end. The pMCI can is received in an elastomeric support member that is adapted to accommodate various sizes of actuator sleeve nozzles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for delivering aerosolized medicine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the system for delivering aerosolized medication of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the system for delivering aerosolized medication of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of the system for provide aerosolized medicament of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a front view of the portion holding the can shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the portion holding the can of Figure 5 taken at along the line 6-6 '.

Figure 7 is a side view of the downstream housing portion in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an end view of the downstream housing portion shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the downstream housing portion shown in Figure 8 taken along line 9-9 '. Figure 10 is a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a retracted position. Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of an interior portion upstream of the housing of the chamber of Figure 1 showing part of the coupler mechanism. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a system for delivering aerosolized medication according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an end view of the embodiment of the figure 12. Figures 14-16 show, each, an end view of an alternative embodiment of the containment baffle shown in Figure 8. Figure 17 is a sectional side view of another alternative embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication of the Figure 1. Figure 18 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 17.

Fig. 19 is a sectional side view of another alternative embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication of Fig. 1. Fig. 20 is an end view of the containment deflector of the embodiment in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a sectional side view of another alternative embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicament of Figure 1. Figure 22 is an end view of the containment baffle of the embodiment of Figure 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES CURRENTLY PREFERRED I. General Figures 1-11 show one embodiment of an apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication 10. The apparatus 10 contains a portion that holds the pMDI can (or dispenser) 22 coupled to a housing portion of the chamber 24. supply apparatus 10 together with a can 30 of pMDI form an aerosol therapy system 12. The portion 22 holding the can has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration defining a receiving area or receptacle 28 for receiving the can 30 of pMDI therein. The receiving area 28 is suitable for conventional pMDI cans of well-known construction.

Can 30 of pMDI contains a suspension or solution of medicament under pressure. In the present embodiment, a suspension or solution formulation of a medicament propelled by HFA In one embodiment, the medicament in liquid form is flunisolide. Other propellants and other medications can also be used. Referring to Figure 6, the can 30 of pMDI has a rod 32 which allows a portion of the suspension or solution of medicament to be discharged therefrom after applying a force to the rod 32. When the can 30 of pMDI is located in the receiving area 28 of the portion holding the can 22, the shank 32 of the can is placed in a vertical channel or cavity 34 formed in the bottom of the portion holding the can 22. When the shank 32 of the tin 30 is located in vertical channel 34, ambient air can pass into the chamber through a passage 33. A horizontal passage 35 communicates with vertical channel 34. Horizontal passage 35 leads to a discharge orifice 36 located opposite to the vertical channel 34.

II Housing of the chamber Referring to Figure 6, the discharge orifice 36 forms the passage through which the medicament particles from the pMDI can 30 can exit the portion holding the can 22 and enter the portion of the can. housing of the chamber 24. The housing of the chamber 24 has an inlet end 46 and an outlet end 48 that define the ends of an interior space 39. Referring to Figures 2-4, in a present embodiment, the housing portion 24 of the chamber is formed of two parts: a main housing portion 43 and a downstream portion 45. The main housing portion 43 and the downstream portion 45 together define the interior space 39 of the portion 24 of the housing chamber. The downstream portion 45 has retaining projections 47 which engage in the slots 49 on each side of the main housing portion 43. In the embodiment shown, the housing portion 43 and the downstream portion 45 close together easily under pressure and they can be easily disconnected for cleaning. Referring to Figure 2, the main housing portion 43 has a curved cross section. In a present embodiment, the curved cross section has a complex geometry formed of a plurality of spokes to form a convenient, easy-to-use shape.

III. Containment Deflector / Embouchure Referring to Figures 2 and 7-9, a containment deflector 51 is located in the downstream portion 45 at the outlet of the housing of the chamber 24. The containment deflector 51 is centrally located and forms a distal wall 53 of the portion 45 downstream. The containment deflector 51 is positioned so as to partially block the outlet end 48. The containment deflector 51 reduces the flow velocity or velocity or both of the medicament aerosol particles on the axis 42 of the chamber housing 24. A mouth 55 is located on the outside portion of the downstream portion 45 and includes the containment deflector 51 at an outlet end thereof. As shown in Figures 7-9, the containment deflector 51 has a concave central portion 62. In the embodiment shown, the perimeter of the concave-shaped central portion 62 of the containment deflector 51 has vertical sides 57A and 57B generally straight, a curved upper side 57C, and a curved lower side 57D. The perimeter of the concave-shaped central portion 62 of the containment deflector 51 is generally shaped in the cross-sectional shape of the mouth 55. The concave-shaped central portion 62 of the containment deflector 51 is aligned with the central axis 42 of the housing 24 of the chamber and is directly in line with the discharge orifice 36. The aerosolized medicament particles having a flow path separated from the axis of symmetry 42 tend to have a lower velocity than that of the particles near the axis of symmetry. The central portion 62 of the containment deflector 51 reduces the speed of advance on the axis and simultaneously acts as a shock surface for the projectiles of aerosolized medicament particles on the shaft. At the same time the central portion 62 allows the slower moving aerosol medicament particles to migrate towards the sides 52 of the housing of the chamber 24. The rate of advance of the aerosolized medicament particles that separate from the axis 42 to along the length of the chamber is also reduced by the outer portion 66 of the containment deflector 51 which is concentric with the central portion 62 concave in shape. An opening area 70 for inhalation is positioned between the central and outer portions 62 and 66. In the embodiment, the opening area 70 for inhalation is defined by four openings 70A-70D. The openings are arcuate in shape and conform to the periphery of the central portion 62. Each of the openings 70 has a length of approximately 9 mm and a width of approximately 2 mm. The size, shape and number of openings may vary depending on the formulation of suspension or solution of medicament and / or the propellant used. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol dispensing apparatus 10 includes a cap 74 that can be placed over the mouth 55 to prevent contaminants from entering the interior 39. The cap 74 serves to protect the mouth 55 and keep it relatively clean.

IV Operation To use the aerosol delivery apparatus 10 to deliver an aerosol medication, the portion holding the can 22 and the housing of the chamber 24 are arranged as shown in Figure 1.

The lid 74 is removed and the can 30 of pMDI is located in the receiving area 28 with the rod 32 inserted in the channel 34 formed in the lower part of the receiving area 28 as shown in Figure 6. As shown in FIG. mentioned above, the apparatus 10 receives the can 30 of pMDI which is operated conventionally (i.e. by pressing on the can 30 of pMDI which is located with the rod down in the receiving area 28). After squeezing the rod 32, the drug suspension or solution formulation in the pMDI can 30 is discharged out of an opening 33 in the tip of the rod 32. As the drug suspension or solution formulation flows through the horizontal channel 35 and outside the discharge hole 36, the propellant and the liquid or suspending solvent are evaporated and the medicament particles are discharged as an aerosol in the surrounding environment within the chamber volume 39. After discharging from the pMDI can 30, the medicament particles in the The aerosol wake may have a speed, size distribution and / or average flow velocity that might not be ideal for direct inhalation by a patient. However, once the aerosolized medicament is within the volume of the chamber 39, the proportion of larger non-aspirable particles available for inhalation is minimized and the dose of aspirable particles is optimized. The aerosolized medicament particles are removed from it by having the patient, whose mouth is around the mouth 55, inhale through the opening area for inhalation 70. The aerosolized medicament particles will then flow through the opening area. for inhalation 70 and towards the patient's mouth.

V Storage Retraction An additional feature of the aerosol medication apparatus 10 is that it can be retracted for storage and convenient handling. For this purpose, the housing of the chamber 24 is coupled to the portion holding the can 22 by a coupler mechanism 94 as shown in Figure 11. The coupler mechanism 94 allows the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicine 10 store in a compact manner by pivoting the portion holding the can 22 from the positions of FIGS. 1-4 to a horizontal position and then pushing the portion holding the can 22 so that it moves translationally towards the housing of the chamber 24 as shown in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 11, the pivoting and translational movement is achieved by the structure of the coupler mechanism 94. In particular, the coupler mechanism 94 includes a pair of slots 96 formed in the housing of the chamber 24, in which each slot 96 has an open end 98 and a closed end 100. As shown in Figure 5, the portion holding the can 2 2 has a pair of pins 102, attached thereto. In addition, the inner portion of the housing of the chamber 24 has multiple parallel grooves 104 (shown in Figure 10) which guide the can holder portion 22 towards the housing of the chamber 24. To connect the housing of the chamber 24 and the portion holding the can 22 together, an upper end 109 of the portion holding the can 22 is first inserted into the exit end 48 of the housing of the chamber 24 and moves translationally towards and beyond the exit end 46 so that the pins 102 are inserted into the open ends 98 of the corresponding slots 96. Each of the pins 102 can then be moved translationally within its respective slot 96 towards the closed end 100 thereof. In this way, the portion holding the can 22 is received telescopically within the housing of the chamber 24 during the translational movement and can be moved from the retracted position of FIG. 10 to an extended position. In the extended position, both pins 102 come into contact with the closed ends 100 of their corresponding slots 96 and the portion holding the can 22 can then move pivotally to the position of Figure 4 so that the patient can use the apparatus 10. The end of the portion holding the can 22 is curved so as to allow it to pivot relative to the housing of the chamber 24. The above coupling and retraction mechanisms allow ease of use, transportation and manufacturing costs Lower. To facilitate handling by the patient, a plurality of ribs 77 may be located along the front and rear sides of the can holding portion 22 near the upper edge 109 thereof. These ribs 77 remain exposed when the portion holding the can 22 is retracted towards the portion of the chamber 24 so that the patient can use these ribs to help hold the end of the portion holding the can 22 in order to extract it. of the portion of the chamber 24. After being used by the patient, the lid 74 can be placed again on the mouth 55.

SAW. Advantages of the described mode With the embodiment described above, the final result of combining the specified inhalation opening area 70, the chamber housing 24 and the containment deflector 51 is the administration of a controllable and desired aspirated dose of medicament in Spray a patient to inhale it into the lungs. In addition, the described modality provides advantages over prior art devices in the sense that it incorporates an integrated actuator and is easier to use and easier to store and to carry given its smaller size. An advantageous feature of the described embodiment is provided by the containment deflector 51. As mentioned above, the velocity of the aerosolized drug particles closest to the axis of symmetry 42 will typically be greater than that of the aerosolized drug particles furthest from the axis of symmetry 42. The velocity of aerosolized drug particles that are close to the axis 42 can be so large as to reduce the effectiveness of drug delivery to the patient because it will cause a significant portion of aerosolized drug particles to collide in the oropharyngeal region and the upper airway where they have no therapeutic value and, in the case of drugs such as corticosteroids, they can give rise to adverse side effects. The containment deflector 51 overcomes this potential problem by isolating the patient's mouth from the place where the greatest risk of high velocity impact may be present. The containment baffle provides this solution in a way that is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The apparatus for dispensing aerosolized medicine described optimizes the deposition of aerosolized aerosolized drug particles in the lungs of a patient to provide a desired therapeutic effect. The apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication also reduces the importance of coordination between drive and inhalation maneuvers and reduces or eliminates possible side effects caused by aerosolized drug formulations containing corticosteroids. The apparatus for delivering aerosolized medication also reduces or eliminates the unpleasant taste associated with aerosolized drug formulations such as flunisolide and allows it to be conveniently transported and easily used. In the case of pMDI using HFA as a propellant for flunisolide, the present embodiment provides a particular advantage. By use of the present embodiment, the aspirable dosage of flunisolide delivered to the patient can be controlled in a manner that closely conforms to the dosage of flunisolide that has been delivered using conventional prior art systems utilizing prior propellants, such as CFC. . In this way, the dose of flunisolide can be maintained in a consistent manner, thereby benefiting the administration of such medication to patients. The shape, size and number of openings in the opening area for inhalation may vary in order to ensure administration of a desired aspirable dose of a specific pMDI formulation. After discharging aerosolized medicament particles on the shaft, which are generally not suctionable and have a greater inertia than the suctionable particles, collision with the inner central portion of the containment baffle results in a reduction in the number of particles of major aerosol medication (not aspirable), and the division of larger aerosol medication particles (non-aspirable) into smaller, aspiratable particles. When sealing (except for the opening area for inhalation) the exit end of the chamber, the containment deflector helps to maintain a high pressure zone in the chamber which allows the deflection of most aerosolized aerosol particles. aspirators that move more slowly away from the containment baffle and into the containment chamber until they are inhaled by the patient through the opening area for inhalation. The containment of aerosolized aerosolized drug particles in the chamber provides the patient with more time to inhale aerosolized drug particles, and therefore, reduces the importance of exact coordination between the discharge and inhalation maneuvers.

Vile. Example Modality In one example embodiment, shown in Figures 1-11, the portion 22 that holds the can is approximately 7.5 cm in height and approximately 2.5 by 2.5 cm in cross section. The housing of the chamber 24 is approximately 8 cm in length and has an oval-shaped cross section with dimensions of approximately 49 mm by 33 mm. The embouchure 55 is approximately 1.5 cm in length. The portion holding the can, the chamber housing and the end cap are formed with a durable, hard, appropriate plastic, such as polypropylene. The discharge orifice 36 has a diameter of approximately 0.3 mm. In a present embodiment, the containment deflector 51 has a width of approximately 27 mm and a height of approximately 15 mm in the center and 5 mm in the lateral edges. For the purposes of this embodiment, it is considered that the pMDI can contains a mixture of 0.06% w / v to 0.24% w / v of drug in liquid form, such as flunisolide in ethanolic solution and HFA as a propellant. It is understood that the can 30 for pMDI can also contain other liquids and other mixtures without departing from the field of the invention.

VIII. Alternative Modes With reference to Figures 12 and 13, another embodiment of an apparatus for supplying aerosol 110 is shown. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-11 and similar components are labeled with the same numbers. In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, the containment deflector 151 is located at an upstream end of the passage defined in the mouth 55. The containment deflector 151 in this embodiment is convex in shape and divides the flow around the path on the axis. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, a camera housing 124 has four square sides 125, 126, 127, and 128. The square sides may facilitate attachment of the device. Referring to Figures 14-16, alternative embodiments of the containment deflector are shown. In Figure 14, a containment deflector 251 has a mesh-like structure that forms a plurality of openings defined between a cross-mesh 252. The surface area provided by the mesh 252, combined with the relatively small areas of the openings, serves to prevent aerosol particles that have a high velocity from passing to the patient. In Figure 15, a containment baffle 351 has a plurality of small circular openings formed around the periphery of a solid central portion 362. As in the previous embodiments, the embodiment of Figure 15 provides a surface area 362, combined with the relatively small openings, which serves to prevent aerosol particles having a high velocity from passing to the patient. In FIG. 16, a containment baffle 451 has four relatively large openings formed around the periphery of a disk-like solid central portion 462. The disc-shaped central portion 462 is connected to the rest of the camera body by means of one or more ribs 463. Like the previous embodiments, the embodiment of Figure 16 provides a surface area 462, which serves to prevent high velocity aerosol particles from passing to the patient. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, an alternate embodiment 512 of an apparatus for delivering aerosol is shown. The embodiment of Figures 17 and 18 includes an apparatus for supplying aerosol 510. The apparatus 510 includes a chamber housing 524 which defines an interior space 539. The apparatus 510 does not include a portion that holds the integrated can. In contrast, the housing of the chamber 524 has a support piece 527. The support piece 527 is made from an elastomeric material and is fixed on the upstream end of the housing of the chamber 524. The support piece 527 has an opening 529 located centrally therein. The opening 529 is sized to receive the mouth end of a separate pMDI driver sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the opening 529 is dimensioned so that the mouth of the pMDI actuator sleeve fits tightly into the opening 529. Because the backing piece 527 is formed of elastomeric material, it is resilient and the opening 529 in the part of support can be stretched, which allows it to accommodate the mouthpieces of the sleeve of the actuator of various sizes and shapes. The support piece 527 can be similar to the support piece described in the patent E.U.A. No. 4,470,412 or in the application Serial No. 08 / 248,716, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference. A mouth 555 is located at the downstream end of the chamber housing 524. A containment deflector 551 is also located at the downstream end of the chamber housing 524. The containment deflector 551 may be similar to the containment deflector 51 in the modality described above. Around the periphery of the central portion 562 of the containment baffle is located an opening area for inhalation 570. The opening area for inhalation includes four arcuate shaped openings. In the embodiment of Figures 17 and 18, the containment baffle 551 is located at the downstream end of the mouth 555, although in alternative embodiments, the containment baffle may be located at the upstream end of the mouthpiece or at any another part along the length of the embouchure. With the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, the patient inserts the embouchure of the actuator sleeve into the opening 529 and inserts the pMDI can into the actuator sleeve. The patient presses down the pMDI can to cause a spray of medicament spray to be discharged from the stem of the pMDI can out of the mouth of the actuator sheath and into space 539. The patient inhales the aerosol from the inner space 539 by embouchure 555 of apparatus 510. Another embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicine is shown in Figures 19 and 20. An aerosol dispensing apparatus 610 includes a chamber housing 524 that defines an interior space 639. The apparatus 610 also includes an elastomeric support piece 627 which may be similar to the support member in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The apparatus 610 includes a containment deflector 651. The containment deflector 651 is located at the running end down the housing of the chamber 624 just upstream of the embouchure 655. The containment baffle 651 includes an opening area for inhalation 670 located around the periphery of the containment deflector 651. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, the containment deflector 651 may be formed as a single piece of material with the housing of the chamber 624. The embouchure 655 may also be formed of a separate piece of material that engages the downstream end of the housing of the chamber 624. The embodiment of Figures 19 and 20 may be used in a manner similar to that of the embodiment of Figures 17 and 18. Even another The embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicament is shown in Figures 21 and 22. This embodiment of the apparatus for delivering aerosol is particularly suitable for use by a mechanically ventilated patient (ie, a patient using a ventilator). In Figure 21, an aerosol delivery apparatus 710 includes components that are similar to the previous embodiments, in particular the embodiment in Figures 17 and 18. A camera housing 724 defines an interior space 739. The apparatus 710 is designed so that is placed in a ventilator circuit, particularly in the air passage that provides inspiratory airflow from a ventilator to a patient. The chamber housing 724 includes a first opening 727 located in a first tubular extension 728 extending from the upstream end 746 of the housing of the chamber 724 and a second opening 755 located in a second tubular extension 756 extending from the end downstream 748 of the housing of the chamber 724. The first opening 727 is connected to the pipe 731 leading to the fan (not shown) and the second opening 755 leads to the pipe, a mask, an embouchure, or other appropriate means (not shown) of provision of air from the ventilator to the patient. Located at the upstream end of the chamber 724 is a receptacle 722. At the bottom of the receptacle 722 is a cavity 734 adapted to receive the stem of a pMDI can. The cavity 734 extends to a rib 735 that extends through the inlet into the interior space 739 of the chamber housing 724. The rib 735 may be located at or along the extension 728. The rib 735 includes an aperture 735. discharge 736 communicating with cavity 734. Discharge opening 736 is oriented towards interior space 739. Receptacle 722, rib 735 and discharge opening 736 are integrated with chamber housing 724 forming part of the apparatus for supplying spray 710, (ie the receptacle and the chamber housing form an integrated unit). In one embodiment, the receptacle 722, the rib 735 and the discharge opening 736 are formed from the same piece of material as the housing of the chamber 724, or alternatively, these can be formed from separate pieces. The additional description considering an integrated camera housing and a can receptacle is included in the US patent. No. 5,012,804. Located at the downstream end 748 of the chamber 724 is a containment baffle 751. The containment baffle 751 may be located at the downstream end of the chamber housing 724 or along the extension 756. The containment baffle 751 includes an inhalation opening area 770 located around the periphery of the containment baffle 751. The embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22 may be used in a manner similar to that of the device described in the US patent. No. 5,012,804. The apparatus 710 can be placed in the inspiratory flow path from the ventilator to the patient when the patient is initially placed in the ventilator. Then the apparatus 710 is left in place until needed. Alternatively, the apparatus 710 may be placed in the inspiratory flow path of the ventilator circuit just before a dose of aerosolized medicament is delivered to a ventilated patient. A can of pMDI is placed in the receptacle 722 and is actuated. In medicine from the pMDI can it is transported with the inspiratory flow from the ventilator to the patient. As in the embodiments described above, the containment deflector 751 reduces the non-suctionable particles on the shaft. The invention may be modalized in other ways than those specifically described herein without departing from the field or essential features. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is commensurate with the appended claims rather than the foregoing descriptions.

Claims (43)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicine for use with a can of pMDI having medicament and a propellant contained therein under pressure, characterized in that the pMDI can has a discharge orifice from which the medicament and the propellant can to be discharged forming an aerosol, the apparatus comprising: a chamber housing having an entrance end and an exit end defining an interior space, wherein said entry end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the chamber. pMDI can towards said interior space and wherein the medicament can be extracted from said interior space by inhalation by a patient from the exit end; and a containment baffle located at said outlet end to partially block said outlet end.

2. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that said containment baffle is surrounded by an area for inhalation that includes at least one opening and wherein said area for inhalation is located concentrically with said containment deflector.

3. - The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that said containment deflector is aligned with said discharge orifice.

4. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a support piece located at the entrance end of the chamber housing, said support piece including an opening located therein to receive a pMDI can actuator sleeve embouchure

5. The apparatus for delivering aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that said containment deflector defines an opening area for inhalation located around a periphery thereof.

6. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 5, further characterized in that said opening area for inhalation comprises four arcuate shaped openings.

7. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that said containment deflector is located at an upstream end of a mouthpiece extending from said outlet end of said housing portion of the chamber.

8. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that said containment deflector is located at a downstream end of a mouthpiece extending from said outlet end of said housing portion of the chamber.

9. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a receptacle coupled to the housing of the chamber in an upstream portion thereof; a cavity located in a bottom of said receptacle, said cavity communicating with said discharge orifice; and in addition because said housing portion of the chamber includes a first opening in said inlet end coupled to a ventilator circuit and a second opening in said outlet end leading to the patient.

10. The apparatus for supplying aerosol acing to claim 9, further characterized in that said receptacle and said housing of the chamber are formed of an integrated unit.

11. An apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicament comprising: a portion holding the can comprising a receptacle for receiving therein a can of pMDI, characterized in that the can of pMDI has medicament and a propellant contained therein under pressure said portion holding the can having a discharge orifice communicating with said receptacle to receive the medicament and the propellant from said pMDI can; a housing of the chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end from which a patient can withdraw the medication, said housing of the chamber defining an interior space in which said discharge orifice of said portion holding the can is communicates with said interior space at said entrance end; and a containment baffle located at said outlet end to partially block said outlet end.

12. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector is concave in shape as seen from the interior space.

13. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector includes at least one opening located concentrically adjacent thereto.

14. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector is aligned with said discharge orifice.

15. An aerosol therapy system comprising: the apparatus for delivering aerosol according to claim 11; and a can of pMDI with medicament having a rod, further characterized in that said can is located at least in part within said receptacle.

16. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 15, further characterized in that said canister contains HFA.

17. The apparatus for delivering aerosol according to claim 15, further characterized in that said medicament includes flunisolide.

18. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector is convexly shaped as seen from the interior space.

19. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said housing of the chamber has square sides

20. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector defines a inhalation opening area located around a periphery thereof.

21. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 20, further characterized in that said opening area for inhalation comprises four arched openings.

22. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector comprises a central portion located along a central axis of said housing of the chamber.

23. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector comprises a central portion having a plurality of openings formed through a periphery thereof.

24. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector comprises a mesh type sieve that defines a plurality of openings from one side to the other thereof.

25. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that the ambient air can pass into said interior space when a can of pMDI is placed in said portion that holds the can.

26. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector has curved upper and lower sides and straight vertical sides.

27. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector includes a central portion coupled to said chamber housing by a plurality of ribs.

28. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector is located at an upstream end of a mouthpiece extending from said exit end of said housing portion of the chamber.

29. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11, further characterized in that said containment deflector is located at a downstream end of a mouthpiece extending from said exit end of said housing portion of the chamber.

30. - The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 11 further comprising: a mechanism that couples said portion holding the can and said chamber housing that allows said portion holding the can to be retracted in said chamber housing for storage and being extended out of said chamber housing and pivoted to the position of use for dispensing medication.

31. An apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicament comprising: a portion holding the can comprising a receptacle for receiving therein a can of pMDl, characterized in that the can of pMDl has medicament and a propellant contained therein under pressure said portion holding the can having a discharge orifice communicating with said receptacle to receive the medicament and the propellant from said can of pMDl; a housing of the chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end from which a patient can withdraw the medication, said housing of the chamber defining an interior space wherein said discharge orifice of said portion holding the can is communicated with said interior space at said entry end; a mechanism that engages said portion holding the can and said housing of the chamber that allows said portion holding the can to be retracted into said housing of the storage chamber and to be extended out of said chamber housing and pivoted toward the position of use for dispensing medicament: and a containment baffle located at said outlet end to partially block said outlet end.

32. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector is concave in shape as seen from the interior space.

33. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector includes at least one inhalation opening area located concentrically adjacent thereto.

34. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment baffle is axially aligned with said discharge orifice.

35. An aerosol therapy system comprising: the apparatus for delivering aerosol according to claim 31; and a can of pMDl with medicament which has a rod, characterized in that said can is located at least in part within said receptacle.

36.- The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 35, further characterized in that said canister contains HFA.

37. The apparatus for delivering aerosol according to claim 35, further characterized in that said medicament includes flunisolide.

38. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector defines an opening area for inhalation located around a periphery thereof. 39.- The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 38, further characterized in that said opening area for inhalation comprises four arcuate shaped openings. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector comprises a solid central portion located along a central axis of said chamber housing. 41. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that the ambient air can pass into said interior space when a can of pMDl is placed in said portion that holds the can. 42. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector has curved upper and lower sides and straight vertical sides. 43. The apparatus for supplying aerosol according to claim 31, further characterized in that said containment deflector is located at a downstream end of a mouthpiece extending from said exit end of said housing portion of the chamber. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved apparatus and system for delivering aerosolized medication; the apparatus for delivering aerosolized medicine includes a portion holding the can and a chamber housing; the portion holding the can has a receptacle for receiving a can of pMDl containing a medicament and a propellant to provide the aerosol drug delivery system; the portion holding the can has a discharge orifice communicating with the receptacle to direct an aerosol into the chamber housing at an inlet end thereof; the chamber housing also has an outlet end from which a patient can withdraw the medicament by inhalation; according to one aspect, the system for delivering aerosol includes a containment baffle located at the outlet end of the chamber housing to partially block the outlet; according to another aspect, the portion holding the can and the chamber housing are coupled together by a mechanism that allows the portion holding the can to be retracted towards the housing of the storage chamber; the coupling mechanism also allows the portion holding the can to be removed from its storage position in the chamber housing and pivoted to the position of use when dispensing a medicament; In another aspect, an aerosol medicament apparatus includes a chamber housing with an inlet end for receiving the discharge of a medicament from a pMDl can and an outlet end that includes a containment deflector that partially blocks the end of the reservoir. departure; the pMDl can can be received in an elastomeric support piece that is adapted to accommodate various sizes of actuator sleeve mouthpieces. P00 / 328F